Painting Fabric vs Reupholstering

Try chalk paint. I've seen fabric furniture pieces painted using chalk paint and they look great.

I've tried fabric dyeing before with success (but remember to rinse well or it transfers), and a friend did something like this and said it worked great.

http://www.thekimsixfix.com/2014/05/how-to-paint-upholstery-latex-paint-and.html#_a5y_p=1712647

There is an additive called GAC90 when added to regular water/acrylic paint becomes fabric paint.

I would never paint fabric, I would use dye on it or reupholster. The Rit website has lots of techniques and other users projects you can see redoing upholstry. Using a spray bottle is quite successful..... at least it will feel like fabric!

http://www.thekimsixfix.com/2014/05/how-to-paint-upholstery-latex-paint-and.html

I would find someone who has done it. I saw one item and the fabric was awful. Stiff and not natural. Not sure who would want to sit on it?

I wouldn't recommend painting furniture fabric. Reupholstering is a sure thing.